Volkswagen Kombi could live on

Two days before production of the VW Kombi van is scheduled to end, it has
emerged that the famous model could be set to make a comeback

Production of the Volkswagen Kombi was set to end with 1,200 of these Last Edition models. However, ministers are now evaluating whether the classic vehicle can be granted exemption from new safety legislationPhoto: TOM SALT

Originally built in Germany, before production facilities cropped up around the world to cope with demand, the Kombi, or Type 2, is these days only manufactured at VW’s Anchieta plant in Brazil.

However, it was revealed in August that, after 56 years of production at the plant on the outskirts of São Paulo, production was scheduled to end, the Kombi falling victim to new safety legislation that from January 2014 requires all vehicles in Brazil to be fitted with ABS brakes and driver and passenger airbags.

It has now emerged that Guido Mantega, Brazil’s finance minister, is investigating whether an exemption can be made for the Kombi, based on the fact that its original design didn’t allow room for these modern safety features.

With no direct rivals, the VW represents an affordable mode of transport for many Brazilian businesses. This, combined with its relability and practicality (it can carry a ton, despite weighing little more itself, and as a minibus can seat nine people), has given the Kombi enduring appeal. With a production volume of 26,000 units a year, it is still the sixth best-selling light commercial vehicle in Brazil.

As it stands, the last Kombi will roll off the production line on December 20, leaving VW with 700 workers to redeploy within the plant (VW's largest outside of Germany).

In order to bid the famous vehicle farewell, the company has built a limited edition run of 1,200 Last Edition models, complete with two-tone paint and a numbered plaque on the dash.

In response to the latest developments, VW has issued the following statement: “If any official change in the law is upheld, Volkswagen will evaluate the possibility of continuing the production of Kombi”.